"Stuck In The Middle" Toon Star Stays Quiet

Owen is at the centre of a bitter dispute between United and the Football Association over compensation for the knee injury the 27-year-old suffered at last summer's World Cup.

Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd has warned the FA he will seek an injunction to stop them picking Owen for England duty unless a "fair settlement" is reached.

Macdonald: "Newcastle have an absolute and warranted case. The FA must ensure all their players are adequately insured and not to have done the right and responsible thing for Newcastle shows them in a bad light.

"This action by Freddy Shepherd is minimal. He has had his say but he has not made a big song and dance about it, but this will be welcomed by a lot of his Premiership counterparts.

"Such a precedent, if allowed, would be deemed dangerous. It would allow the FA to pick players without adequate cover.

"Imagine what a huge difference 20 goals from Michael Owen would have made to Newcastle's horrendous season. Imagine the reaction at Old Trafford if Rio Ferdinand or Wayne Rooney had been injured on international duty. The fight has to be made.

"If I was in Michael's shoes, I would feel extremely torn because I would want to play for my country, knowing full well that it helps my career progress but also realising that club football is my bread and butter.

"I think Michael would not be happy to think that the failure by the FA has made his club unhappy because he goes on international duty with their grace.

"But, then again, he does not want to upset the FA applecart. He is stuck in the middle."